St. Peter’s kicks off ‘Ride for a Reason’

St. Peter’s School Students from St. Peter’s Catholic School in Delano are asking for the public’s support of their fifth annual “Ride for a Reason,” a special bike ride associated with the school’s Marathon for Nonpublic Education fundraiser.

Kindergarten through sixth-grade students are seeking donors to sponsor their approximately six-mile bike ride through Delano Saturday, Oct. 6. One hundred percent of the money collected goes directly to St. Peter’s School.

Students at St. Peter’s Catholic School in Delano pedal along city streets last October during the school’s Ride for a Reason fundraiser. Students are seeking people to sponsor their rides for this year’s event, set for Oct. 6. Participants also are asking for names of people to ride in honor of or in memory of.

As in past years, the students are riding for a reason, collecting names of special people or groups for whom they’ll ride “in memory of” or “in honor of” that day. The ride falls in step with the school’s mission to provide a foundation for a faith-filled, productive life.

“Our students and our families are deeply humbled by the generous support from area residents and businesses for our students and Ride for a Reason,” said Shannon Calice, St. Peter’s School principal. “We are very grateful for donations, and most importantly, people’s willingness to share personal stories of people for whom we could ride.

“With every name and cause we collect, we are teaching our students the life-skill to stop, think beyond their own needs, and reflect upon others and pray for their well-being,” Calice added.

By Oct. 6, the school hopes to raise $50,000 and collect more than 1,000 names, ranging from people who are suffering from illness or celebrating milestones to groups in need of support, such members of the military or families and local businesses impacted by the economy.

The students will add the names they collect to a large Ride for a Reason art mural, designed teachers and upper-grade students. Local businesses that support Ride for a Reason will appear on the mural, which will be on display for the public to see at the Marathon finish line in the City Park and other public events.

In addition, the school’s staff will guide students during the month in a variety of special activities, such as a special Mass and weekly educational units that convey the importance of supporting others.

In 2011, nearly 140 businesses donated to Ride for a Reason. This year, three businesses are supporting Ride for a Reason in a unique way. From Sept. 11 to Oct. 2, Dave’s Town Club will donate 10 percent of sales between 5 p.m. to closing each Tuesday. State Bank of Delano will donate $100 for every home loan/refinance originated from Sept. 1 to 30. Absolute Automotive Services will donate $5 for every oil change, which includes a tire rotation and 30-point inspection from Sept. 1 to 30. Visitors to State Bank of Delano and Absolute Automotive Services must mention Ride for a Reason to ensure their transactions benefit St. Peter’s School.

Members of the public also are encouraged to place honor/memory requests for students in specially marked boxes at each business.

The Marathon has a rich history at St. Peter’s School, thanks to its founders, the local Knights of Columbus Council (Immaculate Conception Council No. 4653). In the mid-1970s, the Council established the Marathon as the successful event that it is today.

If community members miss the opportunity to pledge a student or visit a participating business, pledges and names will be taken by mail at St. Peter’s School, 235 South 2nd Street, P.O. Box 470, Delano, MN 55328. For information, visit www.stpetersschool-delano.com or call 763-972-2528.